We have a function to attend in Grafton, IL in June and want to make the trip, out there, into a mini vacation. We will fly into St, Louis, a few days before, and drive to and from Hannibal, MO, via scenic routes. Our thought is to drive to Hannibal on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River and then head to Grafton on the Missouri side, as we understand there is a ferry from St, Charles to Grafton, which might be interesting and enjoyable. We want advice about places to see along both sides of the river. We're interested in lovely main streets with beautiful architecture, charming B&Bs, historic sites, antiques, a quaint tearoom for me, and a great catfish dinner, for my husband. We understand the drive from St, Louis to Hannibal is just a few hours but would consider adding an extra night or even two, in order to have the time to fully enjoy any particularly special attractions. All suggestions are appreciated. Thank you,

I visited Hannibal and was dismayed to see it is a Mark Twain/Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn tourist trap.

THANK YOU, for your reply. I'm not surprised to hear that after looking at various websites, but it's something my husband wants to see, especially since we're going to be in Grafton, an easy drive to Hannibal. I'm suspecting the drives to and from Hannibal, on both sides of the Mississippi, will provide some great views of the river and make for two lovely day trips.

You could follow the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. "Known as the "Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road" (Highway 79), this scenic, winding road connects Hannibal to St. Charles, passing through areas with art studios, galleries, and historic sites." St. Charles is a lovely historic town.

Thank you, that's exactly the type of information I'm looking for. I will research that route and St. Charles.